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This entire posting is composed of 2 parts:
(1) Posting: Watch Out Your Jagrti, MU, AMPS Land May Be in Process to be Sold #1;
(2) Prabhat Samgiita #2278.

WATCH OUT YOUR JAGRTI, MU, OR AMPS LAND

MAY BE IN PROCESS TO BE SOLD

~ PART 1 ~

Note: You must read this as this contains local news of your area.

Namaskar,
There are many places where our Ananda Marga jagrtis, Baba Quarters, and land holdings are being sold and in queue to be sold. Let us discuss and examine the pros and cons of this approach – and give some news as well.

HOW WE ACQUIRE LAND

In general, our Marga gets new land parcels in these following ways:

a. Donation of land by margiis;
b. Donation of land by non-margiis;
c. Donation of land by government;
d. Financial donation by margiis for purchasing land;
e. Financial donation by non-margiis for purchasing land; and,
f. Land capture, i.e. in certain parts of the world if an organisation starts using unused government land for their social service work, then the government often passes ownership of that land to that organisation. This happens in India and elsewhere too.

GOOD DEED OF RECURRING NATURE

In all these cases, there is a clear-cut goal and allotted purpose for the land; the land was not just meant to be sold.

Irrespective of the way in which the organisation gets that land, donors feel that the land they are donating should be used for social service projects. That is their motive for donating the land.

“Indirect virtue is acquired when one’s service has a recurring effect, such as service to the society, planting trees, etc. If banyan trees are planted beside a hot and dusty road they will
continue to give shelter to weary travellers for one thousand to two thousand years. Virtue acquired in this way is indirect virtue.” (1)

The general feeling is that people want to be involved in a social service project that is of a recurring nature, like land donation – in order to get virtue. Non-margiis often do like this.The person who donated the land cannot continue to get virtue if the land they donated gets sold. Indeed that is betrayal.

So they want pious social service work to be done on that land – on an ongoing basis. By this way they will get virtue.

Indeed even mahapatakiis (great sinners) may get moksa by this way.

Baba has written that if even the worst sinner becomes involved in recurring welfare activities, then all their bad samskaras can be requited. So giving land for social service work falls in that type of good deed of recurring nature.

In contrast, if at the time of donation they think that the land they are donating will be sold as part of a business transaction then they will not donate it in the first place. They are giving the land not for a business transaction but for social service.

MARGIIS FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

Local margiis pay money to register donated land. In India there is a registration fee and in other countries there is a tax. In both cases, local margiis carefully save money from their limited family budget to donate towards this registration cost. In our Marga, it is not the ultra-rich who donate land, but rather it is hard-working common folk who donate land. And they face real hardship in order to get the land registered. In India, the registry fee is 8% of the total cost of the land. That is a high price to pay. But margiis and sympathizers will pay it because they wish to do social service.

However, if they have any doubt that the land will be sold or used as part of a business scheme, then they will never undergo such financial hardship to register and donate land.

DONORS’ SENTIMENTAL ATTACHMENT TO LAND

Land donors, be they margiis or sympathizers, are always very attached to the land which they are giving – it is like a part of their heart. Baba says the following about their deep attachment to land.

“Among all the attachments human beings suffer from, attachment to land is one of the strongest. Out of sympathy farmers can donate large amounts of produce without hesitation, but they will feel tremendous pain if they are asked to donate a few square metres of land. If they have to donate land to somebody, farmers feel that their ribs will break because of the pain in their hearts. Those who donate land do so for three reasons – to save the major part of their land, for a high humanitarian cause or out of spiritual inspiration.” (2)

Thus even when margiis & sympathizers donate land to our Marga they do not do so for someone to sell that land and then misuse the money – like some of our Dadas do. Rather people donate land with a high ideal in mind – to serve humanity. That is what motivates them to give that which they so greatly treasure.

They donate the land because it is for Ba’ba’s mission. They donate their land with the great hope that this will be useful for Ananda Marga social service work and that their offering of land will please Baba.

Where there is no land donor, margiis save money for months & year to buy a piece of land with that same motive and hope.

PROJECT IS SECURED BY LOCAL HELP:

MARGIIS AND NON-MARGIIS

In any place where we have land, jagrti or a social service project then, especially in India, that land or project is secured by local help – margiis & non-margiis. These properties are not constructed or purchased with monetary help from Centre. The local bodies pay everything.

It is not like Christian missionaries where local people pay nothing and their global national or global church headquarters or governing boards pay everything. That is the way the Christian church operates in poorer countries. So, for instance, in Zimbabwe the local people may not mind if their church land is sold because they were not involved in acquiring land in the first place.

But that is not the way it works in Ananda Marga.

In AM, in most circumstances Centre does not give one penny for such locally donated properties, i.e. for smaller projects. Rather margiis and non-margiis are emotionally and financially involved with that property. Those sitting distance have no idea how emotionally attached the local people are to that land.

Indeed, Centre has no role. Local margiis and local posted Wts are the ones who make every effort for the land and development thereof.

All land registration is done in the name of the General Secretary just because of the organizational system; it does not mean that GS Dada has any role in purchasing the land.

SALE RUINS REPUTATION OF ANANDA MARGA

Any place where donated land is sold makes for one negative trend of recurring nature. For instance, if a jagrti is sold as a business maneuver then the surrounding population will always think that margiis are fake and have nothing to do with social service. The locals will think that, “We donated the land and they sold it and misused the money.”

That gives one negative trend where in future no one will want to give land to AM as they will have read in the newspaper or heard stories that we are not really service-minded. People will make jokes and ridicule us that, “They sold donated land and kept the money. Never trust these people.” These types of stories will get published by enemies. This will create harm – not just in that place, but all over. Word will spread how, “I have seen where I donated money and now that land is sold and the money is gone. these are fake people do not trust them.”

Plus future historians will investigate and report how Ananda Margiis wrongly sold donated lands. They will dig up old newspapers and get the facts how a jagrti was donated by Mr So and So and inaugurated on such and such date. But they will see how that jagrti is now gone having been sold to some entrepreneur or capitalist for their business ventures. All this as well as other accounts such historians will publish this in their book.

By seeing all this new persons will not like to join they will think we are preaching and teaching lofty ideals but inside we are hollow. Miscues and shady land dealings will damage the image of AM in a
recurring way for a long time to come. And indeed that is what we see happening right now. This will deter and scare off future philanthropic donors. You will never hear in India how a church, mosque or temple is sold.

That is why Baba warns us against those Dadas involved in selling off AM land as it will have an ongoing, recurring negative effect.

“This maha’pa’taka is also atipa’taka, but the difference is that its effect is of recurring nature. Suppose a corrupt businessman uses papaya seeds [in the black pepper] – he invents a [new kind] of adulteration – papaya seeds. Now other businessmen will learn it from him, and the process will go on in recurring nature. So the particular businessman who invented this art is a maha’pa’takii. That is, its effect will be of recurring nature. It will go on forever.” (3)

So those selling AM land fall in maha’pa’takii group because after them some other Dadas will follow their negative example and sell more land and property etc.

Furthermore, any organisation that thinks it will grow and last into the future then they will keep all their holdings thinking that people will come and join and run those projects etc. Only those organisations that are on their deathbed sell their land and properties. The entire public understands this. It is just like if a monarchy is in disrepair or if a rich business family is losing its stature then they will sell off their assets because they have no other means. And in that way they will ultimately sell off everything.

So selling land has serious repercussions. It is a layered, complex scenario that bleeds in so many ways with unexpected consequences for a long time to come.

What is going on now in AM – this shrinking and destruction – was going on in Prabash Tiirtha, back in the days of the Vrishni house after Lord Krsna left. The drunken Yadava dynasty destroyed themselves. That is what is going on now in AM, unfortunately. We should not watch helplessly.

OUR BOUNDEN DUTY

That is why it is the duty of each and every margii, wt, acarya, and all those who love Baba to not allow AM land, property and jagrtis to be sold. That will create a negative situation for long time to come. Other greedy and manipulative people will learn what certain Dadas are doing and will cheat more.

INCIDENT FROM BETTIAH

In Bettiah, one non-margii donated land near a railway station, and the land was vacant and unused for long time. So the donor filed one court case to get it back because the land was not used for the stated purpose. His grandchildren demanded it back. Attorneys told local margiis and Wts to start something otherwise “you will lose the land.” Immediately they started a children’s home there and ultimately, that became our Didi’s jagrti.

SELLING LAND: BETRAYAL LEADS TO MISTRUST

From the above story we can easily understand that those who donate land keep sharp eyes to ensure that their land is properly used. They write this in their memoirs and family stories. Countless non-margiis have donated land and buildings thinking that their own personal family will get ongoing virtue for the philanthropic work happening on that land.

Selling it then is betrayal and leads to mistrust. And indeed those who gave the land will follow-up and find out what is going on. In turn, local margiis will be shamed; it will be difficult to face the public.

Plus when people find one fault with us then they will blame Baba as well.

For all these reasons and more this is a slippery slope and going in a negative direction. For any reason we should never do such heinous work.

NEGATIVE SAMSKARA

We have seen that if anyone starts selling off their estate they become a beggar. So many times this happens. Likewise if any organisation sells off their assets and properties, they get reduced to zero. That is why any publicly supported organisation will never sell their property. Even if it is unused for long time they will always keep it.

In India there are hundreds of thousands of churches and mosques that are unused but they do not sell them as they think times will change and they will recruit someone to manage those buildings.

Unfortunately, now in AM some Dadas are selling our active jagrtis and schools. They are selling such properties to raise money for their group clash and court cases. This is the sinful injustice that is going on.

Such Dadas try to convince margiis of their fateful logic but they themselves cannot see truth – they cannot see their sins – because their mind is in rasatala.

“The seventh hell is rasa’tala, the very crudest of all stages of existence. Obviously in that state human beings are no longer human beings: their minds, their intellects are reduced to extreme crudity, a stage of no return. Similarly when people start becoming degraded, a stage comes when they can no longer elevate themselves; rasa’tala is such a state.” (4)

THE ROLE OF DEVOTION

With deep devotion and strong emotion, margiis donate land to Baba so in that way AMPS is the worldly custodian of land, but is not the owner. Margiis feel that everything belongs to Parama Purusa.

Indeed, Ba’ba’ is the real owner because devotees gave to Baba.

MORE ARTICLES COMING

In the next we will the name various lands & jagrtis that are in process of getting sold. If you have news about what is happening in your area, please tell. In this atmosphere it is not clear which jagrti will be sold next – anything can happen. Many are in use are under contract to be sold. It is not just that empty or unused buildings are sold. So beware.

Remember we are dealing with groupists who lust after the power and control for their faction. They are veritable politicians; we cannot run away from this situation. We must be vigilant.

“For the selfish and hypocrites, politics is the best instrument to achieve their selfish ends; hence when dealing in politics proceed very cautiously and with sharp eyes all round.” (5)

O’ Parama Purusa, You might have forgotten how in the past You came close to me in an intimate way and showered Your love. That time I did not call You, nor did I do sadhana or any type of penance to get You; just You showered Your grace by coming to me. Only by Your grace You came.

O’ Divine Entity, whether I like or not, whether I care or not, still You go on pulling my heart in Your longing. By Your grace and by Your loving care and by the discipline, You always make me better and better so that I cannot fall onto the wrong path. O’ Parama Purusa Baba, O’ my Lord, please never be vimukh [1] ; and please never be virup [1]. Please do not allow me to crush all my desires and longings.

Baba, in my heart I always feel that my life, my prana, is just Your gift. This also I understand that You love me so much. You have graciously made me understand that externally You are tough. Because when I do something wrong in life I have to suffer the consequences. That is Your way of disciplining me. In that way I get a lesson. And all this You do for my welfare. At the same time I understand that internally You are very soft, incomparable – and always loving. You always arouse the feeling of love in my heart towards You.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, please always be ever-gracious so that I cannot forget You. You have done so much for me…

END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #2778:

(1) Vimukh and Virup: In Nama’mi Krsna Sundaram Baba explains the meaning of these two terms. Vimukh means to displease the Lord to such a degree that He completely turns Himself away from you. And virup means to make Him furious with you. Although both are bad, of the two, Virup is comparatively better because then at least one is still receiving Guru’s guideline and attention. Whereas if He is vimukha, then He is no longer even recognising you. So that is a terrible position and one should never behave in such a way as to make Him vimukh. For more about this see Namami Krsnasundarm, discourse #1.

Namaskar,
Here are two new items from our world-wide Ananda Marga family.

AC. RAM TANUKJI: HEALTH REPORT

As many may know, Family Acarya Ram Tanukji is one of the more senior
members of our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. Unfortunately, at present
he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and by Baba’s grace
Acaryaji will soon return to good health and continue to serve society.

Acarya Ram Tanukji of Begusarai 851100 (Bihar) has led a most
distinguished life. He is family acary, purodha, and is one of the
founding members of both AMPS and Renaissance Universal. And he has
always been most active in AM. During good times and bad times, Acaryaji
has always been very dynamic & involved in the Marga. As a fully
dedicated member of AM’s legal dept and professional advocate, Ram
Tanukji managed the court case when Baba was in jail. Plus in his
personal life he has fought local caste dogma and always stood for
dharma. His wife, also family acarya, was a professor at a local
university.

Ram Tanukji has dedciated himself 100% to the great cause and by Baba’s
grace we know that soon he will experience a return to health. That will
be a boon for our Marga and for our human society.

NEWS OF DIDI ON MU IN GT SECTOR

Of course master units are one of the special ways by which we will
propagate AM ideology all around this earth.

Baba says, “Through master units and PROUT, we will elevate the standard
of the people in a few months or a few years…Hence, with spiritual
philosophy as the hub, we are to start as many Master Units as possible.
All-round service, PROUT and Master Units are the ways of life.” (PNS-19)

Indeed, Baba has given us a grand vision for our master unit program.

Unfortunately, at present, there are multiple cases where our MU’s have
fallen into disarray or worse. And in other instances, certain workers
are posted to remote MU’s and forgotten about.

Today, we detail the case of Didi Ananda Giirisuta who has faced serious
abuse at her MU posting in Paraguay (Sapucai). The MU land is owned by
AM and tragically Didiji has been basically abandoned there – receiving
little or no support from any of the leading factions.

While working there all by herself, Didi has been robbed and beaten on
multiple occasions. No one came to help her nor was there anyone to
defend her. Her safety is zero and her honour tainted. It is a distinct
tragedy that a good worker should have to face such criminal activity
while the organisation watches from afar and never sends help.

All should be aware of the difficulty Didi has had to endure and put an
end to her suffering by demanding from organisational heads that she be
supported and protected – physically, mentally, and spiritually. That is
the duty of her in-charges.

Baba says, “Supervisory workers will have to take proper care of each of
their supervised staff in all respects.” (Pt #2 of ‘Six Additional Rules’)

To learn more about Didi’s situation, she can be reached at: 59553926277

I conclude with this following passage about master units.

Baba says, “In the beginning, Master Units were started with a view to
developing the fate of the backward and downtrodden classes of society
who find no scope to keep pace with the developing world. When Ananda
Marga started touching every discipline of life, it was then
contemplated to establish the Master Units as the miniature forms of
Ananda Marga. As there are different nerve centres in the body which
control the function of the different limbs and organs, and which are
finally controlled by the mind itself, likewise the Master Units will be
treated as the nerve centres of the society. There has to be active
representation and participation from all the departments, branches and
sub-branches of Ananda Marga in the Master Units. Those who fail in
representation will be lost in non-existence.” (PNS-19)

Baba, the whole society was facing various types of tortures,
humiliations and exploitation. No one was there to think about the
exploited mass, those who were crying and suffering. Baba, feeling the cry
of their heart, You have advented Yourself today. It is Your grace.

Baba, in the past there was no one to love them. Now by Your grace You
have come here to love all those downtrodden & exploited masses– as well
as one and all. And with Your infinite compassion You have removed
everyone’s pains and grief. Baba, in the past people were engulfed by
various dogmas and their minds were completely stained. But by Your grace
You have removed that cimmerian darkness from their existence and in the
wake of Your holy advent filled up their lives with the effulgence of
divinity.

Baba, the entire universe was looking toward the eastern horizon
anxiously awaiting Your auspicious advent. The common people were facing
excruciating tortures and torments; their entire existence was completely
wounded. Baba, their whole body and limbs were racked by the blows of
severe suffering. Due to carrying the heavy load of those burdens and
bondages for such a long time, not even a tinge of happiness remained in
their lives. Long back all their joy totally vanished.

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba You are so gracious; You have showered so much
effulgence in the bosom of this universe. By Your causeless grace, You have
inundated the hearts of everyone with more and more divine nectar. And with
Your sonorous yet thundering voice You are calling out to all that there is
no reason that they should keep their heads hung in despair, rather they
should keep their heads held high.

Baba by Your causeless grace You have advented today…

== CELEBRATING HIS ADVENT: A’NANDA PU’RN’IMA’ ==

== PART III ==

Namaskar,
Ananda Marga is the path of bliss. The systematic yogic lifestyle and the
360 degree spiritual cum social outlook leads the entire human family to
march ahead in unison. Part and parcel of this collective movement is our
participation in social functions because it is by these blissful
gatherings like Ananda Purnima that we are able to glorify Baba, renew
ourselves, and attract more people on the collective train of dharma–
generating greater momentum to move ahead.

Here below are additional views on the celebration of Ananda Purnima and
how social functions positively affect our Marga. By Baba’s grace others
will also continue to express their insights on this topic.

STRENGTH OF COLLECTIVE LIVING

Human society is based on the united strength of one and all, where all
live collectively. And it is human nature to partake in collective life;
after all we are social beings. Living in isolated little pockets is not to
our liking and doing so breeds stagnancy also.

Collective living accelerates human progress just like those animals which
live collectively progress more than the animals which live in isolation.
Similarly by cooperative human interaction society moves ahead in a dynamic
way.

Therefore social functions like the upcoming Ananda Purnima celebrations
give society a tremendous turbo boost to advance since such programs help
inspire people to engage in collective life. Plus social functions generate
more enthusiasm and propulsion on the collective pathway– with the result
being that all types of good things suddenly become possible.

By living collectively humans can solve various problems and now the need
of the day is to build single human society. Naturally social functions
help in this because by this way various people come together to enjoy in
social and spiritual way.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS BASED IN SPIRITUALITY

Yet not only do AM social functions give a huge injection of inspiration.
But these grand gatherings– which Baba has designed– goad and guide
everyone deeper into the spiritual realm. And this in turn brings permanent
peace. So although the name is a social function but its base is
spirituality.

In direct contrast in the crude society social parties end up being nothing
but degenerative events that promote and satisfy animalistic desires &
carnal pleasures. Just people are chasing madly after worldly and transient
things.

FREE FOOD AS PART OF THE CELEBRATION

PLUS THE DONATION / FINANCIAL FACTOR

Here are a few more ideas that came from several members of our bhukti:

High quality free food & free meals should be made available to any who
attend. And local margiis can contribute to this program according to
their liking. In that sense it is okay to let the wealthy give more.
One other idea is to make a free feast and then go round asking donations
whereby volunteer teams get from those who like to give in order to support
the Ananda Purnima program.

But we must not request money from those wts with no money etc.
Just we have to ensure that a special, secret donation box there.
That way even small a donation is fine. Because it is the feeling that
is most important

Many also feel that charging a fee for the food makes it like some
commercial event, where there is no charm or no flow like business
dealings.

The sense being that food at programs like Ananda Purnima should be free.
And actually what we have seen here in India is that usually in Delhi
Sector one or another person has huge enthusiasm to cover the cost of
entire program. But this can only happen when they have good feeling for
the entire program and the local unit etc.

Finally, special food should be made available for all. Point being that
there will be one type of food for all– that which is top quality.

REFLECTIONS

So these are a few of the ways and thoughts about how this Ananda
Purnima can be celebrated. And these things are all per Baba’s distinct
teachings.

BABA’S GUIDELINE AND BLESSING

Here following is Baba’s blessing as we enter into the weekend of Ananda
Purnima.

Baba says, “Ensure that those who enjoy the celebrations also get thereby
healthy opportunities for their physical growth, mental development, and
spiritual progress.” (CC-1, p.42)

Namaskar,
Harideva

Note 1: THE MEANING OF UTSAVA

Baba says, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their
mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals
or utsava. The root verb su means “to be reborn.” Su plus -al suffix =
sava. The substance which produces new vigour in the body is called
a’shava, or wine. Similarly ut + su + al = utsava, which means “festival.”
“Ut” means “above” and “sava” means “rebirth” ; so utsava means “an
occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.”
(AFPS-5, p.18)

“Question: What is the difference between sarva’unga’sana and
vipariitakarani mudra?”

“Answer: In sarva’unga’sana we have to fix the mind at the point of the
toes, whereas in vipariitakarani mudra we have to fix the citta or mind
stuff at the tip of the nose or at the navel point.” (YP, p.117-18)

Note: Sarva’unga’sana and vipariitakarani are very similar– they are
almost the same thing. Just a few little differences are there:
(1) In sarva’unga’sana the mind and eyes are fixed on the center point
between the two big toes while in vipariitakarani mudra the mind focuses on
the navel or the tip of the nose.

(2) When the body is very straight and it does not have to exert a
continuous effort to maintain that position– rather it is easy and
comfortable to hold that posture– then it is sarva’unga’sana. Whereas
mudras, such as vipariitakarani mudra, demand a constant and ongoing effort
to maintain the posture. Asanas, on the other hand require a little effort
to enter into the position and thereafter it is comfortable and easy to
maintain.

(3) In sarva’unga’sana and vipariitakarani mudra, although the postures
look the same but the effort exerted and way of approach are a little
different as explained earlier. And in addition they effect the body in
different ways. Sarva’unga’sana affects the glands & cakras, and the
secretion of the hormone; while mudras give strength to the muscles and
nevers. These ideas have been given by Baba in His various discourses.

(4) In WT reporting sessions, Baba used to sometimes give atonement by
demanding that some or all do vipariitakaranai for a long time. Sometimes
for 1/2 hr, 1 hou, 2 hrs, at a stretch. Naturally that qas quite enjoyable
for everyone to do. And the underlying reason behind this was that the
majority of WT had acidity problems and this Vipariitakarani mudra was the
cure. So in the name of doing atonement it was actually’s Baba’s
blessing.
********************************************

Baba by Your grace I will go on marching ahead towards the effulgence,
my Goal, by avoiding and overcoming all sorts of obstacles like
thunderbolts & meteors. By Your grace I will not be afraid of the thorns
and difficulties on the path. With Your strength, I will root them out,
throw them away, and move on and on. Baba, all my energy is coming from
You.

Baba, on the path of my forward movement, there so many insects &
nuisances. Plus various types of demons, ghosts, witches, and goblins
are trying to create disturbances and fear on my journey. But by Your
divine grace when I have fixed the determination in my mind to move
towards You, then until I will not rest until I reach the Goal. Baba, by
Your grace, with my feet I will go on crushing all the obstacles on the
path, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. Baba. Your immense
blessing is always with me. You are my Source and You are my Savior…

== NY RETREAT: COLOURFUL REPORT ==

Namaskar,
The annual gathering of the NY summer sectorial retreat at Ananda Kanan
(USA) was recently held. This is a short report about a few of the many
happenings of that conference. Others also are welcome to write in with
their view and accounts.

In the coming days, many other elements of this retreat will be profiled
so really everyone’s input is most welcomed.

IMPORTANCE OF MASTER UNITS

As many may be aware, Ananda Kanan, located in the Ozark mountains in
Missouri, stands at the main master unit of NY sector. It has now been a
hub for sectorial activity for years and years, nearly two decades or more.

Naturally then we expect great things from this MU, as Baba has
identified master units as an all-important representation of our Ananda
Marga way of life.

Here are a few of Baba’s dharmic guidelines about master units.

Baba says, “When Ananda Marga started touching every discipline of life,
it was then contemplated to establish the Master Units as the miniature
forms of Ananda Marga. As there are different nerve centres in the body
which control the function of the different limbs and organs, and which
are finally controlled by the mind itself, likewise the Master Units
will be treated as the nerve centres of the society.” (PNS-19)

Baba says, “These miniature forms of Ananda Marga will expand and
gradually terminate in the maxiature form and cover the whole universe.
Master Units will expand all possible services, particularly in the
fields of education, culture, economics and spiritual upliftment. These
Master Units will work to improve the fate, first of all human beings,
and then of all living beings.” (PNS-19)

Baba says, “Through Master Units and PROUT, we will elevate the standard
of the people in a few months or a few years.” (PNS-19)

Baba says, “With spiritual philosophy as the hub, we are to start as
many Master Units as possible.” (PNS-19)

By Baba’s above guidelines, it is quite clear that master units – like
Ananda Kanan – are to play a preeminent role in the representation and
spread of AM ideals.

As we all know, in countless reporting sessions as well, Baba has
emphasized the value and need for more and more master units, as these
mu’s are meant to carry the flag of our AM way of life in all respects.

SCENES FROM ANANDA KANAN:

EXPOSED DRESS BY DIDIS SETS BAD EXAMPLE

Baba has clearly delivered the message that the dignity of women shall
always be preserved and one clear-cut avenue of this is proper dress.

Unfortunately, at the recent July retreat in Ananda Kanan, two of our
Didis made a poor showing by tossing aside their avadhutika uniforms and
instead embraced the crude, pseudo-culture fashion of the USA.

Most everyone is aware the the US is the capital of pseudo-culture as
the vaeshyan powers of America have imposed crude values on the society,
including the objectification of women, i.e. showing females as being
mere sex tools of society. This is one of the main examples of
pseudo-culture in the land of the USA.

Somehow, two of our respected avadhutikas, fell into this trap, and
perhaps even worse is that they made a terrible example for our youths.
Our teenagers, and especially young girls, need a proper role model to
show them a higher way of living and presenting themselves. Because at
present in the USA, Hollywood’s half-naked starlets have captured the
attention of many young girls.

So teenagers girls need a role model: someone who will exemplify the
more noble ideals and expressions of human life, i.e. someone who will
be a living representation of the dignity of women.

Under normal circumstances, our Didis are that sterling example and
under normal circumstances, our master units would be such a place.

But at this retreat – as has happened too many times in the past at
Ananda Kanan pseudo-culture has taken root. Specificaly two of our
avadhutikas totally dropped their ideal and embraced the sensual ways of
pseudo-culture.

In particular, Didi Ananda Anuradha and Didi Ananda Raganuga tossed
their uniforms aside and wore skin-tight shirts and form-fitting jeans
such that every curve and shape of their bodies were highlighted. Their
clothes were so tight it looked as though their garments were painted
onto their bodies.

To be blunt, and please pardon the expression, but our revered
avadhutikas resembled “two dizzy bimbos” that one might see in a B-grade
movie, wherein the movie director is showing two ditzy females in some
shopping mall etc. The tragedy is that our Didis were reinforcing the
dogmatic and undignified way that females are represented in pop-culture.

The scene at Ananda Kanan was THAT bad.

Now here is the kicker. What were our Didis doing at the moment. Our
respected avadhutikas dressed up like that because they were going out
on a picnic with our youths – i.e. with our teenagers. As if this was
the ideal way to present themselves in front of our young,
impressionable youths at an Ananda Marga function.

TERRIBLE EFFECT ON OUR YOUNG SISTERS

All in all, this proved to be absolutely disastrous. Because all year
long teenagers in the USA are targeted heavily by corporations. The
entire capitalist machinery of pseudo-culture aims all its exploitative
powers at youths, especially young girls. They impose on these young
girls how they must look and act a certain way – wherein they are mere
objects of sexual allurement for men. We have all seen this in the form
of movies, advertisements, TV shows, internet images and in countless
other ways.

Baba says, “Another form of injustice in society is discrimination based
on sex. Instances of one sex being considered inferior to the other are
very common. Women in a sizable area of the world are considered as the
private property of men and are meant for their pleasure only.” (AFPS-7)

Baba says, “In the modern world there is a wide variety of films which
excite the passions and have a degrading influence on boys and girls,
adolescents and young men and women. Such films create in cinema-goers
the desire to emulate in their individual lives the criminal activities,
the vulgar expressions of love, or the adventurous behaviour that they
see enacted on the screen. This is another example of how keeping bad
company causes depravity.” (HS-1)

Tragically, our two avadhutikas failed to contrast this dark and
degenerating message by highlighting the ideals & aims of Ananda Marga.
When they went on that picnic with our youths, gone were their
avadhutika uniforms and out came their sexual pseudo-culture dress. Plus
they tried to make themselves look “pretty” and “alluring” in various
other ways.

Note: In particular, Didi Ananda Anuradha has an unfortunate weakness in
this regard. In past retreats at Ananda Kanan, she has used her esteemed
belt from her avadhutika uniform and used it as a girlie hair tie when
performing on stage. Plus she is no stranger to the beauty & feminine
cosmetics industry. So hers is a long and storied spectacle in this regard.

Really then, to have two of our main avadhutikas peel off their uniforms
in front of our youths and resort to the crude ways of pseudo-culture is
quite devastating. That shining star of an example is now gone and our
teens have nowhere to look for a proper way.

And all this is happening on the grounds of our Ananda Kanan master
unit, where AM ideals – like the dignity of women – are meant to be
embraced, not overlooked in favour of pseudo-culture.

IS IT ANY WONDER THEN THAT…

Given the above scene, and other instances like it, is it any wonder
then that the whole expression of young ladies and women at the Ananda
Kanan master unit fell from our ideal during retreat.

For instance:

1) It was not at all uncommon for our tender young females at the NY
summer sectorial retreat to wear sleeveless shirts to highlight their
tans etc. In their innocence they do like this. And even worse is that
when they raise their arms, such as during kiirtan and kaoshikii, such a
shirt becomes all the more revealing. But how can we tell them or send
them an indirect message not to wear such revealing clothing when our
esteemed Didis are doing the same thing.

Please understand, that there were many Didis at the retreat who really
do honour the code of being an avadhutika and take the cause of the
dignity of women quite seriously, yet all that is undermined when a few
Didis do things that “fly-in-the-face” of such ideals. Then the example
is lost.

2) Another common scene at the retreat is for our young teenagers to
pair off as girlfriend and boyfriend. That means touching, hugging,
kissing, holding hands, rubbing, massaging, and sneaking off together to
a lonely place. All these things have become quite the norm between our
teenage children while at Ananda Kanan.

Here again, that is not our ideal way – that is not what we want to see
happening on the grounds of our MU. Nor is this something that we should
support.

Baba says, “It should be remembered that a woman’s friend is a woman and
a man’s friend is a man.” (CC-1)

Our MU’s are places where we are to represent cent-per-cent of Baba’s
teachings, including restraint in social life and modest dealing between
males and females.

Yet our youths at these retreats are mostly involved in the “dating
game” which is so prevalent in America, which often results in teen
pregnancy, emotional difficulties, and disrespect for the human body and
condition. Sadly, this type of thing is happening on our MU grounds and
our youths are not to be blamed. They are bright-eyed beings with high
aspirations who need guidance and support from our AM leaders.

Yet when our leading Didis toss aside their own codes of conduct and
prance around in skin-tight dress to show off their bodies, then those
Didis do not have the moral courage – nor desire – to speak out against
pseudo-culture: period.

And the ones who suffer the most are our youths, as they do not get the
example nor guidance they so desperately need.

Instead all they hear from our acaryas is, “Don’t they look cute
together” or “How sweet they are” or “What a charming couple” or our
acaryas just simply smile. Believe it or not, that is the prevailing
message that our Dadas and Didis tell to these young couples of
boyfriend and girlfriend.

And the proof is that our retreats at the Ananda Kanan have turned into
the breeding ground for the dating game.

In that case, our young ones have no chance; of course they are going to
err.

3) Mixed sex swimming is another problem at our retreats. And once again
our youths are some of the main trespassers, though through no fault of
their own. Bathing suits in America are basically like wearing underwear
or under garments. One is essentially naked when swimming. To give
leeway for all our teens to swim together – girls and boys like – is
only asking for a hormonal brush fire. There are sure to be sparks.

Yet again, when at the same time certain acaryas have tossed aside their
uniform in favour of casual American dress in order to go canoing
(boating) etc, then those Didis have no place or voice to comment on
youths who are wearing typical – yet revealing – American swim suits.

So these are but a few of the things that many of us are noticing at the
retreat on our master unit. And this has been going on for years &
years. These are not isolated incidents.

Of course there are other issues like groupism, power mongering, and
more, but in the realm of pseudo-culture and male-female relationships,
the above is a glimpse or picture of what is happening on our AM master
unit of Ananda Kanan.

And the root cause is defective leadership.

Baba says, “Today there is catastrophe and misery in human society and
there is one reason: the defective leadership of society…Bear in mind
that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect
in the conduct of an a’ca’rya. Just as it is the duty of a father to
educate his children properly by his good conduct, an a’ca’rya or
a’ca’rya’ should always instruct by their exemplary actions and words.”
(AV-31)

THERE ARE OTHER MANIFESTATIONS OF PSEUDO-CULTURE

The cultural programs continue to be problematic because still wt
performers and others are going on stage and showing off pop-culture rap
music and hip-hop dance, instead of the dharmic and dignified samgiita
of Ananda Marga. So once again we see Dadas and Didis alike shaking
their hips on the stage and losing themselves in American
pseudo-culture. This of course does not help things at all.

Please write in with other ways you have seen the ugly play of
pseudo-culture take root on our MU properties like Ananda Kanan.

Because this pseudo-culture is a menace to society and if there is any
place where it should be wiped out, it is on our AM master units which
are meant to be a nerve center of AM thought and conduct.

Here Baba warns us of the dangers & horrors of pseudo-culture.

Baba says, “This exploitation in the cultural sphere is accomplished by
the propagation of pseudo-culture. Every honest, virtuous, rational
person must fight against this pseudo-culture, and inspire others to do
the same. If this is not done, the future of humanity will be sealed.”
(NH-LOI, Disc: 7)

OTHER ASHRAMS IN THE US MAINTAIN THEIR SANCTITY

Often we hear, people say, “Oh come on, this is America, everyone has a
girlfriend, they all dress in scanty ways, etc”. These are the excuses
various AM leaders give in order to justify the presence of pop-culture
antics on our MU land.

But here is a wake-up call to such persons.

There are countless ashrams and retreat sites in the US where they
uphold the dignity of dress and separation of the sexes. So many gurus
have come to the west and their followers are maintaining proper social
standards. They may suffer from various Hindu dogmas or wrong spiritual
guidelines, but at least the good things they have learned about
spiritual life, they have the courage to follow.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of life on our AM master units
and retreat sites like Ananda Kanan. No doubt, Baba has given the
greatest teachings, yet when our leaders have neither the discipline nor
the courage to uphold those guidelines, then everything goes awash and
life runs rampant.

That is what we see happening at Ananda Kanan summer retreat programs.

BABA STORY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIFORM

Here is one story that is highly related with our current problems.

One time Baba asked us all, “Why is it that the public is afraid of the
police?”

Various Dadas, Didis and margiis gave their answers. Baba was not
satisfied with their replies.

Then He said, “It is because of their uniform. If those police agents
are not in uniform then no one will respect them.”

Baba then concluded how all our Wts should be in full uniform whenever
in public or at any AM function etc. That will set the proper tone.

Unfortunately, very few of our Dadas and Didis adhere to this policy and
the negative affect is felt, seen and heard at our retreat gatherings.
Yes it is true that our margii parents can be a bit more stern with
their children at these retreats, but when our acaryas are not
representing Baba’s standard on this most basic point of dress, then
there is very little hope that we can pass the proper message to our
youths.

Until this problem is not solved, the ways of pseudo-culture and sexual
innuendos will be pervasive throughout the grounds of our MU’s during
our retreats, or at the very least in Ananda Kanan.

BABA’S BLESSING

By His grace the standard of conduct in our AM will soon rise and our
retreats and functions at our master units will be up to the proper
standard.

Baba says, “The sadvipras will install qualified persons in power, and
the social order which will be evolved by virtue of their leadership
will give due importance to one and all. In this new society based on
Neohumanism, everyone will find their life worth living. All will regain
their lost positions of honour.” (AFPS-2)

Baba says, “If a man constantly chants his japa mantra or meditates
ceaselessly, then the rhythm of this japa, the rhythm that adores the
Guru during dhyana, will act as auto-suggestion during the time of
sleep, although he does not remember it…A sadhaka with this capacity
continues his dhyana and japa even in sleep. This kind of japa is called
“Ajapa’ Japa”; that is to say, without performing japa, one is actually
performing it. And it is called “Adhya’na’ Dhyana”, which means that
without actually meditating, the act of meditation is going on.” (YP,
1991 Edn, p. 150-51)